Accelerating inland shipping towards 2035–2050: research, strategy and innovation programs

I help public and private clients make choices regarding energy transition, fleet differentiation, digitalization & autonomy, and modal shift substantiated and feasible, based on facts, scenarios, and a roadmap.

Plan intake (20min)

From complexity to decision : scenarios + trade-offs + risks

From decision to implementation : roadmap, KPIs, and governance

From pilot to scale : measurement plan, partners, and stop/go moments

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Download the Executive Teaser (based on the vision document).

Four themes the sector is currently stuck on

A) Fleet differentiation

Which fleet mix suits cross-border corridors, cargo flows, and future constraints?
Which concepts (retrofit/new build/modular) make sense per segment?
Output: segmentation, options, selection criteria, and implementation path.

B) Energy transition

Which energy pathways are realistic per timeline (2030/2035/2050)?
How do you deal with uncertainty (prices, availability, infrastructure, regulations)?
Output: scenario matrix, assumptions, sensitivities, and decision frameworks.

C) Modal shift

What is needed to increase reliability and capacity on cross-border supply chains?
Which interventions deliver a demonstrable effect (supply chain, infrastructure, planning, incentives)?
Output: bottleneck analysis, package of measures, KPI set.

D) Digitalization & autonomy

From standalone tools and reports to a workable data and decision layer that supports pilots and scaling up.
Roadmap towards (semi-)autonomous and remote operations: preconditions, organization, data, security, and compliance.
Output: data layers/architecture choices, minimum dataset, governance, KPIs + measurement plan (what do we measure, when, and why?).

Other themes discussed in the Vision Document: staff shortages, infrastructure, markets, services, and much more.

Parking garage in Chicago | Analog photo Poul van den Elshout

TREND.RESEARCH

Remote

Gain insight into the technological, social and economic trends that will shape your logistics future. Olderwood translates trend analyses into strategic opportunities for sustainable growth and innovation in the maritime sector.

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Office building Paris | Analog photo Poul van den Elshout

PROCESS.INNOVATION

On location/remote

Take your logistics processes to the next level with optimization, automation and smart technology. Olderwood improves lead times, reduces costs and increases flexibility in your operational processes.

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Interior Kunsthal Rotterdam | Analog photo Poul van den Elshout

Innovation strategy

On location/remote

From abstract idea to concrete logistics concept. Olderwood develops scalable and smart solutions for complex logistics issues, with a unique combination of creativity, technology and sector-specific knowledge.

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Quickly sharp, then deepen in a controlled manner

Intake (20 min): goal, context, stakeholders, timeline
Phase 1 – Quick scan : factual basis + initial scenarios + issues/backlog
Phase 2 – Decision-making : selection criteria, business logic, risks
Phase 3 – Realization : roadmap, pilot, partner selection, governance

Important : each phase ends with a decision point (stop/go).

Plan Quick scan

In 20 minutes, we clarify the goal, scope, stakeholders, and the logical phasing. The consultation is no-obligation and available on short notice . I will send you an intake form in advance to prepare everything so we can get to work effectively.